POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 6 July 1880, Page 2

POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE.

(BY TELEOKAI'H.) (FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, July 5. This afternoon was given up to caucuses, which is rapidly becoming the orthodox method of settling Parliamentary questions, all the main question?! of policy being determinad at these party meetings, and votes practically arranged independently of the discussions in the House. The Opposition caucus took place in the room known as No. 49, on the upper iioor in the northern wing of the buildings. Mr. Macandrew. was in the chair, and about 30 were present, and four others accounted for. Messrs. Wood, Swanson, and Jtlurst, and Captain Colbeck attended neither this nor the Government caucus, which was proceeding at the same time in .a Ministerial room in another wing, formerly used by the Native Minister. The leaders of the Opposition appeared to recognise the fact that, with the large majority on the side of the Government, any attempt tq oust them this session 1 would be hopeless. They were, however, opposed to Mr. Reader Wood's proposal to reduce salaries upon a scale of per centages, but favored a reduction being made by abolishing offices and amalgamating others, and discharging unnecessary officers who had been appointed at a time when the Colony was most prosperous. Ultimately, after a long discussion, the following resolution was parried, on the motion of Mr. de Lautour, seconded by Mr. J. B. Fisher : " That this meeting will support q,py proposal for the decrease of the expenditure which will ensure both the substantial reduction of salaries paid to the members of the civil service and the diminution of its members consistent with the public interest, and is determined to support all efforts which will lead to the general economy of government." The caucus then dispersed, having lasted about one hour and a half. It is said that Mr. Qnnond and the Auckland '•four" have promised severally to support the Government proposals, though the four still think the estimates capable of reduction bv the amount of L 200,000. The Wellington correspondent of the Lyttelton Times telegraphs :—" I have been requested ro call attention to the fact that the names of Messrs. Andrews, Jones, Montgomery, and George were omitted from the Oppi Bioion side in the no-confidence division list as telegraphed to you.